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Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Let's face it, we all know that you need to take in at least 5 servings of fruit and vegetables but most of us simply cannot find the time. So you sooth your conscience by eating half a apple whenever you get the opportunity to do and promise yourself that from tomorrow you will start eating you 5 servings of fruit and vegetables only to find yourself with a single apple in your hand again.

Why is it so difficult to eat those 5 servings a day? It is because most of us are under the impression that we have to buy fresh fruit and vegetables which take time to go to the market and pick out and people tend to believe that fresh fruit and vegetables are just too expensive. The good news is that fruit and vegetables are in actual fact quite cheap and if you simply cannot find the time to buy fresh fruit and vegetables, why not get the canned variety? By using your fruit and vegetables to make delicious and nutritious snacks you will get your 5 servings a day in no time.

Here Are a Couple of Snack Ideas:

* Cut your vegetables into strips or cubes and eat them with a low fat dip of your choice. This is lovely snack on those hot summer days.

* Using your juicer, make a fresh fruit juice. You can even freeze the juice in your ice trays as an alternative to ice cream.

* Make a fruit parfait by layering vanilla yogurt, granola and some berries.

* For a nutritious alternative to eating a candy bar rather eat strawberries covered in dark chocolate.

* You can freeze seedless grapes and eat them like you would a Popsicle.

* Make a fruit and yogurt smoothie.

* Cut up some fresh fruit and eat them with yogurt as a dip.

* Instead of fresh fruit why not make a mix of driedfruit and nuts as a snack alternative.

* Cut apples served with slices of cheese makes for a delicious snack.

* Instead of the normal dip, try eating celery with peanut butter as a dip.

* Make rice crackers with cream cheese, sliced tomato and avocado.

To make sure that you get your portions right for your fruit and vegetable snacks, follow the below guidelines on exactly how much is one portion of fruit and vegetables which will make getting you 5 portions a day:

One Portion of Fruit and Vegetables Equals:

* 1/2 a avocado or grapefruit

* 3 heaped tablespoons (about 65ml) of stewed fruit or fruit salad

* 2 Kiwis, plums or similar sized fruits

* 1 Banana, apple, orange or similar sized fruits

* 1 Large slice of pineapple or melon

* A cup (250ml) of berries, cherries or grapes

* 150ml Fruit juice with no sugar added

* 1 Heaped tablespoon (about 20ml) of sultanas or raisins

* 3 heaped tablespoons (about 65ml) of beans, vegetables or pulses

* 1 Dessert bowl with salad

There are several easy ways to start a healthy eating habit and improve your overall health. Access more detailed information and learn simple daily steps that you can follow by visiting my website at http://EverydayHealthGirl.com